Wales Interactive, known for their dedication towards the FMV gaming genre, presents us with The Isle Tide Hotel, a narrative-driven experience that once again blurs the lines between interactive film and adventure game. Set in a mysterious hotel, the game thrusts players into a surreal world where they must navigate a complex cult and save a kidnapped daughter. The premise is as unsettling as it is intriguing, creating a palpable sense of urgency and mystery from the outset.
The Isle Tide Hotel introduces us to Josh Malone, a father on a desperate mission to rescue his estranged daughter, Eleanor, who has fallen prey to a cryptic cult within the titular hotel. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to keep players on their toes, delivering unexpected twists and turns that add layers of complexity to the story. However, the initial lack of clarity and slow pacing may deter some players, as they grapple with deciphering the cult’s language and motivations and it takes a while for things to start falling into place.
The ensemble cast, including Michael D. Xavier and Jemima Rooper, deliver performances that range from compelling to occasionally overwrought. While some scenes exhibit emotional depth and nuance, others may feel slightly forced, a common trait in FMV games. In terms of individual performances, Rooper’s portrayal of Price, a character with hidden trauma, stands out, providing a fascinating layer to the narrative.
Gameplay predominantly involves choosing dialogue options and determining which characters to assist, leading to multiple branching paths and varied outcomes – fans of the developer’s previous work will see familiar territory here. The integration of puzzles, while not overly challenging, provides a welcome diversion from the narrative-driven segments as they combine interactive elements with a compelling storyline.
The Isle Tide Hotel’s greatest strength lies in its narrative complexity. Each playthrough unveils different facets of the overarching story, encouraging multiple sessions to fully grasp the intricacies. It’s in these subsequent playthroughs that the game truly shines, revealing unexpected revelations and altering perceptions of the characters and their motivations – although at the same time this requires a bit of a commitment from the player as well.
Despite its strengths, the game grapples with pacing issues, particularly in the initial stages. Scenes tend to linger, slowing down the narrative progression and potentially frustrating players eager for more immediate engagement, especially when the cult’s strange use of language only confuses.
Visually, The Isle Tide Hotel excels in its striking symmetry and parallel lines, evoking a cinematic aesthetic that’s quite unlike other Wales Interactive productions. The color palette, though natural, complements the game’s enigmatic atmosphere. The soundtrack, however, doesn’t really stand out, which hurts the cinematic appeal a little.
In terms of length, individual playthroughs clock in at around an hour, with subsequent runs completing in half the time. While this allows players to explore different narrative paths, it also shows the game’s relatively short overall playtime. And while the extra replay value is great, some players might just want a single playthrough of a feature length game.
In summary, The Isle Tide Hotel is a compelling foray into the world of FMV gaming, offering a unique blend of narrative complexity and interactive elements. And while initial confusion and pacing issues may hinder the experience, the game’s intriguing storyline and multi-faceted characters make it a worthy venture for those willing to invest the time. With multiple playthroughs revealing hidden secrets and unexpected twists, The Isle Tide Hotel ultimately rewards persistence and is a different kind of FMV than you might be expecting.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 